This week, you can reflect on the lessons of the 1992 civil unrest; see how leading architects create new life through a marriage of preservation and modernization; celebrate the work of portrait photographer Todd Eberle; support the fashion designers of the future at Otis’ annual fundraiser and runway show; hear from African American architect Zena Howard about her experience working on one of the most iconic projects of the decade.
1 ) The L.A. Uprising: 25 Years Later
The Hammer Museum continues its investigation of social justice issues with a three-night series examining the events and after-effects of the Rodney King Riots on its 25th anniversary. Events start Tuesday night with a screening of Spike Lee’s Rodney King, followed by a Q&A with the movie’s award-winning solo performer, writer and producer, Roger Guenveur Smith, and UC Santa Barbara Professor Stephanie Batiste, and then a reception with the artists in the Hammer’s courtyard, featuring a live DJ set by the film’s composer Marc Anthony Thompson (aka Chocolate Genius). On Wednesday civil rights lawyer Connie Rice joins police officer Anwar Sanders and other guests to discuss “To Protect and to Serve”: Strategies for Law Enforcement Reform 25 Years After Rodney King and on Thursday there is a screening of the film Do Not Resist, followed by a discussion with Black Lives Matter cofounder Patrisse Cullors.
Check out Frances Anderton’s commentary about the longterm effect of the riots on LA Architecture.
When: Tuesday, May 2, 7:30 pm. The series, with other events, runs through May 4.
Where: Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tickets: Free and open to the public; click here for more information.
2 ) Reception and Book Signing: THE NEW OLD HOUSE: Historic & Modern Architecture Combined , by Marc Kristal
What’s old is new again. In The New Old House: Historic & Modern Architecture Combined, Marc Kristal examines 18 homes which have been renovated to combine the best of the past with modern objectives and aesthetics. The book explores how firms such as LOHA, Greenwich House, Allan Greenberg; Longbranch, Jim Olson; Astley Castle, Witherford Watson Mann; Hunsett Mill, Acme and others, fold today’s design concerns into older buildings. Light refreshments and valet parking.
When: Thursday, May 4, 6:30 – 9 pm
Where: Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects [LOHA], 4106 West Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Tickets: Free. RSVP here.
3) Julius Shulman Institute’s 2017 Excellence in Photography Award Ceremony and Exhibit Opening: Todd Eberle: Empire of Space
Woodbury University’s Julius Shulman Institute confers an annual award on a photographer whose work relates to the field of architecture and urban space. This year’s winner is Todd Eberle, who has spent 20 years as Photographer at Large for Vanity Fair, capturing individuals from the worlds of politics and art, and architectural landmarks and technology. An exhibition of his work, Empire of Space, showcasing cultural icons and architectural greats, will open Thursday in conjunction with the award ceremony at Woodbury University’s Hollywood Outpost (WUHO). Portraits include Julius Shulman, Philip Johnson, Oscar Niemeyer, Florence Knoll Bassett, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Donald Judd, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Annabelle Selldorf, David Adjaye, and Peter Zumthor.
When: Award Ceremony and Exhibit Opening Reception: Thursday, May 4, 6 – 8 pm. (Exhibit runs through June 25)
Where: WUHO Gallery, 6518 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Tickets: Free and open to the public. Click here for more information.
4) The Inside Story: The National Museum of African-American History and Culture & Other Works with Architect Zena Howard
Established as a Smithsonian Institute museum in 2003, the National Museum of African-American History and Culture would not open for another 13 years. It was well worth the wait — with a spectacular opening in September 2016 and a landmark building in the heart of the Washington Mall. The museum, designed by the team of Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup, honors the significant social, economic, and cultural contributions that African Americans have made to this country over the last several centuries. Zena Howard will talk about her experiences as the lead architect on the project, in an event presented by SoCal NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects). She will also talk about her current project: a new museum for Motown Records in Detroit, MI.
When: Saturday, May 6, 1 – 3 pm
Where: El Camino College (Marsee Auditorium), 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90506
Tickets: $30 (GA), $10 (Full-time students), NOMAS members free. Get tickets here.
Also, check out AIA|LA ENCOMPASS: the Conference to Actualize Diversity & Inclusion. Throughout the day, speakers and audience members will describe experiences; contribute best practices; demonstrate diversity’s benefits for the field, clients + our city; and establish strategies to realize an inclusive future–beginning today. Friday, May 5, 8 am – 5 pm at the California African American Museum, Exposition Park, 600 State Drive, Los Angeles, 90037. Tickets $75 non-members, $55 members. More information and tickets here.
5) Otis College Fashion Show and Fundraiser
Check out the future of LA fashion design by attending the annual runway show and fundraiser held by Otis College of Art and Design. Fashion design students are paired with industry mentors who guide them through the process of conceiving and making one-of-a-kind garments. This years event, the 35th Annual Scholarship Benefit and Fashion Show, honors Claudia Cividino, CEO of Bally Americas and jewelry designer Daniela Villegas; it will include projects directed by two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Albert Wolsky, couture designer Chris Chang, Zaid Affas, David Meister, Claire Pettibone, Red Carter, as well as designers from Illia, Michi, Jessica Simpson, and Universal Monsters. The online auction goes live on May 1; items include shopping with Erica Pelosini as well as a blazer made from fabrics featured in the show.
When: Saturday, May 6; Cocktails and Silent Auction, 6:30 pm; Dinner and Runway Fashion Show, 7:30 pm
Where: The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, CA
Tickets: Click here for tickets; click here for additional information, or call (310) 665-6858.